India's aluminium scrap export supply is centred in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. For smelters and foundries globally, Indian aluminium scrap offers geographic supply diversification and consistent volume availability.
ISRI Grades (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries)
- Taldon โ Old aluminium sheet
- Taboo โ New aluminium clippings
- Tally โ Old aluminium castings
- Talap โ Aluminium wheel scrap
- Tense โ Segregated new aluminium clippings
- Tread โ Aluminium extrusion scrap
HS Codes
- 7602.00 โ Aluminium waste and scrap
- 7601 โ Unwrought aluminium (for refined ingots)
Key Specifications
- Aluminium content (Al %) โ Typically 92%+ for premium grades
- Free from copper, iron, plastic contamination
- Free from radioactive contamination
- Standard packaging: baled or loose bulk
Pricing Basis
- LME aluminium settlement + fixed discount
- Typical discount: LME - $200 to $500 per MT depending on grade
Quality Control
- Pre-shipment inspection by CIQ or SGS
- Radioactivity screening (mandatory)
- Sample assay verification
- Container photos before and after loading
Payment & Terms
- 30% advance + 70% against BL
- LC available for repeat buyers
- FOB Nhava Sheva or Mundra typical
Frequently Asked Questions
What quality documentation should I demand for scrap shipments from India?
Mandatory: radioactivity screening certificate, pre-shipment inspection report (SGS, CIQ, or Alex Stewart), assay/composition certificate, container photos before loading and after sealing, MSDS. For metal scrap, an ISRI grade certification. For copper/brass, LME-linked pricing documentation. Any missing document creates customs delays at destination.
How is scrap metal pricing determined?
Base pricing follows the London Metal Exchange (LME) daily settlement plus or minus a specific discount/premium reflecting quality grade, purity, and market conditions. For example, HMS 1&2 steel scrap trades at Turkish scrap import index minus $30โ50. Copper scrap trades at LME copper minus 20โ40 cents per pound depending on grade.
What is the minimum order for scrap metal export from India?
Standard MOQ is one full 20-foot container (~20 metric tonnes). Some smaller quantities may be available via LCL (less than container load) at meaningfully higher per-tonne cost. For repeat buyers, ongoing supply contracts of 200+ MT per month are structured with weekly or bi-weekly container releases.
Do I need import permits for scrap material imports?
Most destinations require importer registration with local customs and environmental agencies for scrap metal imports. Lead battery scrap requires additional Basel Convention permits. Radioactive-contaminated scrap requires specific quarantine handling. Verify import permit requirements with your customs broker before booking bulk shipment.
Related Reading
- Zinc Metal & Zinc Scrap Export from India โ A B2B reference for galvanizing plants, brass foundries and importers buying zinc metal and zinc scrap from Indian sources.
- Activated Carbon Sourcing Guide: Water Treatment, Air Filtration & Gold Recovery โ A comprehensive B2B sourcing reference for utilities, industrial buyers and mining operations buying activated carbon from India.
- Iron & Steel Scrap Export from India โ A B2B reference for foundries, smelters and steel mills buying iron and steel scrap from Indian sources.
- Brass Scrap Export from India: Grades & Buyer Requirements โ A B2B sourcing reference for brass smelters and metal recyclers buying brass scrap from India.
About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer โ we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.
Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house โ giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.